Status

Summary

Education matters. Provides that the state board of education (state board) and the governing body of a school corporation or nonpublic school may not enter into, renew, or otherwise extend a contract to establish a freeway school after June 30, 2019. Provides that provisions relating to the establishment and administration of freeway schools expire June 30, 2024. Establishes new requirements to accredit a public or private elementary or secondary school in Indiana. Provides that a school corporation or performance based accredited school may waive compliance with certain statutes or rules for a particular school that is placed in either of the three highest categories or designations of school improvement. Provides that a school corporation or accredited school may submit a request to the state board to waive certain statutes or rules for a particular school that is placed in either of the two lowest categories or designations of school improvement. Provides that if a nonpublic school that is accredited is placed in the lowest category or designation of school improvement for four consecutive years, the state board shall revoke the nonpublic school's accreditation. Changes certain references from nonaccredited nonpublic school to nonaccredited schools with one or more employees. Provides that a public school may not waive certain provisions. Includes virtual or electronic learning (E-Learning days) and other virtual activities in the definition of "instructional time". Provides that if a school corporation: (1) delays the start of the school day by not more than two hours later than the normal school start time; or (2) releases students not more than two hours earlier than the normal student release time; because of weather or to otherwise ensure the safety of the students, the school day shall count as a full instructional day. Removes a requirement that child abuse and child sexual abuse instruction to students in kindergarten through grade 12 must be research and evidence based instruction. Provides that, in identifying outlines or materials for instruction on child abuse and child sexual abuse, the department of education (department) must work in consultation with school safety specialists, school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists. (Current law requires the department to work with school safety specialists and school counselors.) Voids an Indiana administrative rule relating to school accreditation. Repeals a provision that requires the state board to implement a system of recognizing certain education programs of nonpublic schools. Repeals: (1) provisions establishing performance qualified school districts; (2) a provision relating to performance based school accreditation; (3) a provision pertaining to school improvement plans; and (4) a provision pertaining to the recognition of educational programs of nonpublic schools. Resolves a conflict between HEA 1074-2018 and HEA 1002-2018. Requires each school corporation, charter school, and accredited nonpublic elementary school to include cursive writing in its curriculum. Repeals a provision that provides each school corporation may include cursive writing in the school corporation's curriculum.

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Title

Education matters. Provides that the state board of education (state board) and the governing body of a school corporation or nonpublic school may not enter into, renew, or otherwise extend a contract to establish a freeway school after June 30, 2019. Provides that provisions relating to the establishment and administration of freeway schools expire June 30, 2024. Establishes new requirements to accredit a public or private elementary or secondary school in Indiana. Provides that a school corporation or performance based accredited school may waive compliance with certain statutes or rules for a particular school that is placed in either of the three highest categories or designations of school improvement. Provides that a school corporation or accredited school may submit a request to the state board to waive certain statutes or rules for a particular school that is placed in either of the two lowest categories or designations of school improvement. Provides that if a nonpublic school that is accredited is placed in the lowest category or designation of school improvement for four consecutive years, the state board shall revoke the nonpublic school's accreditation. Changes certain references from nonaccredited nonpublic school to nonaccredited schools with one or more employees. Provides that a public school may not waive certain provisions. Includes virtual or electronic learning (E-Learning days) and other virtual activities in the definition of "instructional time". Provides that if a school corporation: (1) delays the start of the school day by not more than two hours later than the normal school start time; or (2) releases students not more than two hours earlier than the normal student release time; because of weather or to otherwise ensure the safety of the students, the school day shall count as a full instructional day. Removes a requirement that child abuse and child sexual abuse instruction to students in kindergarten through grade 12 must be research and evidence based instruction. Provides that, in identifying outlines or materials for instruction on child abuse and child sexual abuse, the department of education (department) must work in consultation with school safety specialists, school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists. (Current law requires the department to work with school safety specialists and school counselors.) Voids an Indiana administrative rule relating to school accreditation. Repeals a provision that requires the state board to implement a system of recognizing certain education programs of nonpublic schools. Repeals: (1) provisions establishing performance qualified school districts; (2) a provision relating to performance based school accreditation; (3) a provision pertaining to school improvement plans; and (4) a provision pertaining to the recognition of educational programs of nonpublic schools. Resolves a conflict between HEA 1074-2018 and HEA 1002-2018. Requires each school corporation, charter school, and accredited nonpublic elementary school to include cursive writing in its curriculum. Repeals a provision that provides each school corporation may include cursive writing in the school corporation's curriculum.